Ct Hf be eorerem Brig. General Alfred D. Starbird, USA Director of Military Application, AEC, Washington, D. C. Crricinal signed by fsJ u'sf K. F. Hertford, Manager, Albuquerque Operations xF. He:tiord AEC, Albuquerque — UCRL PROPOGAL FOR HARDTACK SYMBOL: ET:JER-3360 411373. : . SAo =~ pO FEC cor. SQOQUMENT #nie We have reviewed the subject proposal and submit the following comments: General: respect to inhabitated islands of the Marshall Islands, it has always been recognized as having distinct advantages fram a safety aspect. However, its limited size, unsuitable entrance, and anchorage facilities have weighed against it, particularly from the standpoint of blast and water damage to dliammostic stations and heavy contamination of these facilities. DEPA 1ST REVIEWOATE: NT 7. OTHER{SPECHPY): ICATION CLASSIFIED INFO BRACKETED DETERMINATION [CIRCLE 4 1 CLASSINCATION arieons ENERGY DECLASSIFICATION REV NUNES MoH TLGLASSFICATION CHANGED YO: 3. CONTAINS NO DOE CLASS#MED CRRORDINATE wah eee Taonci has previously been considered by the Test Organization as a possible test site. Due to its peculiar location with With the development of methods of obtaining diagnostic data remotely from a diagnostic ship and the apparent willingness of UCRL to forego in certain of the larger shots the detailed diagnostic information, which in the past has been generally considered necessary, it is agreed that reconsideration of the use Of Taongi is appropriate. On the basis of preliminary reports of the Task Force Weather organization and Taongi's geographical location with respect to populated islands in the Marshall Islands, it seems quite obvious that firing from Taongi should be appreciably easier than from Bikini or Enivetok. Shots ean be detonated at Taongi under normal wind conditions, whereas at Bikini it is necessary (continued) PATINA BEST COPY AVAILABLE. _ a . JT U-FN =I baer || i 0176 }

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